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This north-west district of Johor has a land area of 2,346.12 sq.km. The name Muar is reputed to come from different sources. One source claimed that it was named after the word 'muara' which means river mouth, because the town was built on this strength. The other source claimed that it was named after three rivers, namely Sungai Muar, Sungai Serting and Sungai Pahang. The Hindu word for three is muna or river.
Muar played a very significant role in the formation of the Johor Sultanate. It was here that the first Sultan of Johor, Sultan Mahmud Shah, first established a stronghold when he used Muar as the platform to attack Portuguese since 1511 in Bentayan River during which both sides suffered severe casualties and Sultan Mahmud was defeated. A small monument (Kubu Bentayan) was erected to mark this battle ground in Muar town.
Sultan Abu Bakar was instrumental for the development of Muar into a modern district. He encouraged the Javanese and Chinese to open land and settle in Muar by engaging in various agricultural activities, especially in the planting of betelnuts, coconut, sago, coffee, fruits, gambir and pepper.
The premier township of Muar was named after his wife, when Sultan Abu Bakar called it Bandar Maharani. In the early 1900s, the prosperity of Muar brought about substantial development of many buildings along Jalan Petri and till today is the centre of historical trail with many neo-classical architecture buildings still standing tall.
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Tanjung Emas Park |
If you're in Muar and looking for a quiet place to lay out the blanket and enjoy reading a book in the warm morning sunshine, Tanjung Emas recreational park overlooking Muar River is the place to go.
This recreational park has a food court offering local delicacies if you get a little hungry- try the ikan asam pedas (fish cooked with tamarind sauce and chilli paste) for which this town is famous. There's plenty of rest shades if the sun gets too hot and also a children's playground to keep the little ones amused.
Nearby, there is a government rest house offering accommodation in a garden environment for visitors looking to stay in Muar overnight. |
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Muar Historical Buildings |
Several historical buildings built around the late 1800's and early 1900's makes Muar town an interesting visit for those interested in architecture. The Royal Customs & Excise building on Jalan Maharani, was built in 1909 once served as a landing port and railway terminal for Muar. Nearby, you can find a row of shophouses built before World War II.
Just a few blocks away, is the Muar High Court building which was built in 1885 in a neo-classical architecture. This building was once used as the guest house of Sultan Abu Bakar. Another building built in the neo-classical architecture is the Sultan Abu Bakar building which stands close to the riverside along Jalan Petri. Today, this building houses the Muar Land Office and District Office.
Another notable classic building is the current Muar High School, which was built in 1914 and temporarily used as a post office. Masjid Jamek Sultan Ibrahim also has a beautiful architecture which was completed in the 1920's. Jalan Othman in the heart of Muar also has an interesting architectural landmark in the form of residential houses with Dutch artchitecture which stands out from the rest of the residential houses around it.
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